RE: Lime - Pellett vs. Powder
There is a big difference in the speed that they work and the amount of time they fork for. Pellet lime will increase the soil ph very quickly, but might need to be done more fequently (every other year). Pulverized lime will take much longer, but will last much longer. Almost anywhere will recommend you limewith pulverizedlime 8 to 12 months prior to planting crops like clover and alfalfa. The reason for this difference in time is due to the actual size of the lime particles. After the bonding agent disolves in the pellet lime, it is actually much finer than strait pulverized lime. This is the same reason that it will wash out of the soil quicker.
I have never heard ofpellet being cheaper than pulverized lime though. I think he might have given you bad information about the aplication rates.